Types of Hardwood Finishes

When choosing the right type of finish for a hardwood floor,your lifestyle and maintenance preferences must be considered. All wood floors will require routine maintenance, such as sweeping or dust mopping, to keep them looking attractive and new,but different finishes will have a significant impact on how floors are cared for long-term, as well as how they will look in the years to come.
Surface finishes are very popular because they are durable, water resistant and require minimal maintenance. Surface finishes are blends of synthetic resins and are often referred to as urethanes or polyurethanes. They remain on the surface of the wood to form a protective coating.

There are several types of wood flooring surface finishes from which to choose:

• Water-based finishes appear clear and will resist turning yellow over time. They dry in two to three hours. water based finishes are also very durable.
• Oil-based finishes appear amber in color. They dry in about eight hours and are very durable.
• Acid-cured finishes appear clear to slightly amber. They dry in about two to three hours and are extremely durable.
• Moisture-cured finishes appear clear to amber. They will dry in about two to three hours in humid conditions. They are more moisture resistant than other surface finishes.
• Wax finishes soak into the pores of the wood and harden to form a protective penetrating seal, which will appear low luster and amber in color. They will dry in a variable amount of time depending on the type of wax used and the jobsite conditions. Wax finishes are durable but will show spots from water and other contaminates.
• Acrylic impregnated finishes

With this run of humidity it becomes especially important to consider which finish is right for you.
There are primarily 3 types of finishes you have to choose from…
1) Oil Base
2) Water Base
3) Moisture Cure Urethane